Hydraulic Differential Reservoir and Pump Layout for Low Flow Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydraulically actuated differentials face flow restrictions and increased complexity due to external fluid supply systems, which lead to inefficiencies and fluid cross-contamination, as well as unnecessary routing and porting issues.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained fluid reservoir with a flexible diaphragm and a reversible pump integrated within the actuation member, eliminating the need for external hydraulic circuits by using a pump case with direct fluid communication between the reservoir and actuation member, minimizing flow restrictions and allowing separate fluid use for actuation and lubrication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an external fluid supply is used, then the hydraulic circuit can be established, but cost and complexity increase due to supply cables and connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fluid supply function from an external source and relocates it into a self-contained reservoir integrated within the differential housing. This eliminates the need for external supply cables and connections, reducing system complexity while maintaining reliable hydraulic circuit establishment through internal fluid circulation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the fluid reservoir, pump, and differential housing into a single integrated unit. The reservoir is formed as part of the housing structure, and the pump is positioned to draw fluid directly from this integrated reservoir, creating a unified system that eliminates external connections while ensuring reliable hydraulic operation
2Device complexity
If an internal fluid supply is used with leakdown or drainage approach, then fluid routing is simplified, but fluid cross-contamination occurs between clutch actuation and lubrication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fluid system into distinct functional zones: a dedicated clutch actuation fluid path and a separate lubrication fluid path. The pump draws from a common reservoir but delivers actuation fluid through controlled ports, while lubrication fluid circulates through separate bearings and gears, preventing cross-contamination while maintaining simplified internal routing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the pump as an intermediary device that mediates between the fluid reservoir and the clutch actuation system. The pump selectively draws fluid from the reservoir and delivers it to the clutch chamber through controlled ports, acting as a barrier that prevents direct mixing between actuation and lubrication fluid paths while maintaining efficient fluid management
3Ease of operation
If fluid is routed through hydraulic port on differential case, then actuation is achieved, but flow restrictions occur due to integration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional radial porting on the differential case to axial porting through the pump housing. This dimensional change in fluid flow path allows for larger port openings and more direct fluid pathways, reducing flow restrictions and energy losses while maintaining effective clutch actuation through the piston mechanism
4Reliability
If traditional porting is used to connect hydraulic line, then connections are established, but inefficient porting increases flow losses and load on the device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the hydraulic connection function from external hydraulic lines and implements it through an integrated pump-housing-port system. The pump housing itself incorporates the hydraulic ports and fluid pathways, eliminating the need for separate connection points and reducing flow restrictions that would otherwise increase energy losses and device load
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution reduces flow losses and increases packaging flexibility, enabling efficient operation of hydraulically actuated devices by isolating the fluid supply and eliminating external connections, thus enhancing performance and reducing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
A pump is within the pump case. The pump can be a reversible pump.
Implementation Method 2
The flexible diaphragm can hermetically seal a fluid within the fluid reservoir and have a second side in communication with atmospheric pressure.
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulically-actuated device comprises a self-contained fluid reservoir comprising a tank for receiving a fluid, a reservoir port, and a flexible diaphragm. An actuation member comprises a hydraulically actuated piston in a cylinder. A pump case comprises an inlet port and an outlet port, the inlet port in fluid communication with the reservoir port, and the outlet port in fluid communication with the actuation member. A pump is within the pump case. The pump can be a reversible pump. The flexible diaphragm can flex in to the fluid reservoir when the pump transfers a fluid from the fluid reservoir to the actuation member and can flex away from the fluid reservoir when the pump transfers fluid from the actuation member to the fluid reservoir. The flexible diaphragm can hermetically seal a fluid within the fluid reservoir and have a second side in communication with atmospheric pressure.